JACKSON, Miss. – The Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund will open its third application cycle on Aug. 1 utilizing $12 million in funding appropriated during the 2024 legislative session, with a deadline for submissions of Sept. 3. MOSTF has previously awarded more than $9.7 million in funding from the 2022 legislative appropriations and more than $14.4 million in funding from the 2023 legislative appropriations. “This board has successfully awarded millions of dollars to 53 quality projects that will enhance our vital natural resources, complete critical conservation efforts and bolster outdoor recreation for all Mississippians,” said Gov. Tate Reeves. “I am proud to have signed this legislation into law and proud of the impact it is already having on Mississippi communities all across our state.” In addition to the conservation and outdoor benefits, the MOSTF program also seeks projects that can bring non-state and federal matching funds to assist with overall project contributions. Justin Brooks, a member of the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Coalition, said the projects funded through the MOSTF program benefit all Mississippians regardless of what outdoor activities they may enjoy. The program also allows communities to tap into sources of outside funding to keep the cost of the projects low for residents. “One of the best attributes of the Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund is it provides benefits for everyone – you don’t have to hunt or fish to appreciate the investments made throughout the state. These projects are providing improvements and enhancements that benefit a broad variety of outdoor enthusiasts,” he said. “The continued funding commitment from the Legislature allows applicants to unite matching resources from partners to help lower the cost of projects.” MOSTF Executive Director, Ricky Flynt, encouraged interested entities to carefully review the qualifications for application proposals and the application scoring criteria prior to submitting any application. “All applications will be considered, but there is a clear direction placed in the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Act,” he said. “We want our applicants to understand the goals and priorities of the MOSTF before they commit the time and effort required to apply.” The MOSTF program is open to applications from state agencies, municipalities sand non-government organization. Those interested in applying can go to dfa.ms.gov/most to review the notice to applicants and the application scoring criteria. All applications must be submitted online. Applicants are required to register to create a user account, which will allow them to save their application work, upload documents, budget sheets, project plans, photos and other supportive information prior to submission. Following application reviews, the MOSTF board will score each application and projects will be ranked prior to being considered for funding. The MOSTF board intends to announce awarded projects by the end of October. For more information about the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Program go to

dfa.ms.gov/most

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JACKSON, Miss. – The Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund will open its third application cycle on Aug. 1 utilizing $12 million in funding appropriated during the 2024 legislative session, with a deadline for submissions of Sept. 3.

MOSTF has previously awarded more than $9.7 million in funding from the 2022 legislative appropriations and more than $14.4 million in funding from the 2023 legislative appropriations.

“This board has successfully awarded millions of dollars to 53 quality projects that will enhance our vital natural resources, complete critical conservation efforts and bolster outdoor recreation for all Mississippians,” said Gov. Tate Reeves. “I am proud to have signed this legislation into law and proud of the impact it is already having on Mississippi communities all across our state.”

In addition to the conservation and outdoor benefits, the MOSTF program also seeks projects that can bring non-state and federal matching funds to assist with overall project contributions.

Justin Brooks, a member of the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Coalition, said the projects funded through the MOSTF program benefit all Mississippians regardless of what outdoor activities they may enjoy. The program also allows communities to tap into sources of outside funding to keep the cost of the projects low for residents.

“One of the best attributes of the Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund is it provides benefits for everyone – you don’t have to hunt or fish to appreciate the investments made throughout the state. These projects are providing improvements and enhancements that benefit a broad variety of outdoor enthusiasts,” he said. “The continued funding commitment from the Legislature allows applicants to unite matching resources from partners to help lower the cost of projects.”

MOSTF Executive Director, Ricky Flynt, encouraged interested entities to carefully review the qualifications for application proposals and the application scoring criteria prior to submitting any application.

“All applications will be considered, but there is a clear direction placed in the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Act,” he said. “We want our applicants to understand the goals and priorities of the MOSTF before they commit the time and effort required to apply.”

The MOSTF program is open to applications from state agencies, municipalities sand non-government organization. Those interested in applying can go to dfa.ms.gov/most to review the notice to applicants and the application scoring criteria.

All applications must be submitted online. Applicants are required to register to create a user account, which will allow them to save their application work, upload documents, budget sheets, project plans, photos and other supportive information prior to submission.

Following application reviews, the MOSTF board will score each application and projects will be ranked prior to being considered for funding. The MOSTF board intends to announce awarded projects by the end of October.

For more information about the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Program go to dfa.ms.gov/most.